Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told his Italian counterpart Matteo Renzi that a fair and early resolution was in mutual interest of two countries, but encouraged the Italian side to allow the judicial process to take its own course.
In a telephonic conversation with Modi, the
Italian Prime Minister sought a “rapid and positive solution” in the case of the two Italian marines being held in India for allegedly shooting to death two Indian fishermen in 2012.

“Modi conveyed that the matter is subjudice before the Supreme Court of India in writ petitions filed by the marines and encouraged the Italian side to allow the judicial process to take its own course,” the release said.

Modi also said Indian judiciary is free, fair and independent and we are convinced that it will take all aspects into consideration in adjudicating the case.

Italian marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone have been held in India since allegedly killing fishermen Valentine and Ajesh Binki during an anti-piracy mission in February 2012 off the Kerala coast, an incident that sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Italy.

The marines, deployed on the Italian-flagged oil tanker MT Enrica Lexie, said they mistook the fishermen for pirates. They are now staying in the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, awaiting trial.